Global Hunger Index 2026: India ranks 100th, and Pakistan ranks worst in South Asia

The Global Hunger Index 2026 ranks India 100th out of 122 countries with a score of 24.1, and Pakistan 106th with 25.5. Both fall in the “serious” hunger category, and South Asia’s regional score is 23.5. The index uses four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting and child mortality. Globally, about 645 million people face hunger, and 57 countries are projected to miss low hunger levels by 2030. Conflicts, climate shocks, and rising food costs are the main drivers.

What Is the Global Hunger Index 2026?

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an annual report that tracks hunger across countries on a scale of 0 to 100, where a lower score means less hunger. The 2026 edition came out around 14 October under the theme “No Security Without Food Security”. It was prepared by Welthungerhilfe, the Institute for International Law of Peace and Armed Conflict at Ruhr University Bochum, and Helvetas.

India ranks 100th out of 122 countries under the Global Hunger Index 2026

India scored 24.1 and has stayed in the “serious” category since 2012. About 29.3% of children under five are stunted, and nearly 19% are wasted, the highest child-wasting rate in the world. Under-five mortality is around 2.7% to 2.9%.

Pakistan ranks 106th out of 122 countries under the Global Hunger Index 2026

Pakistan scored 25.5. Its score improved from 36.2 in 2000, but conditions have worsened since 2018. About 16.1% of people are undernourished, 33.6% of children are stunted, 9.8% are wasted, and child mortality is 5.6%. Economic instability, high food prices, and climate challenges are cited as causes.

India and Pakistan Fall Under the “Serious” Level of Hunger Category

Scores from 20.0 to 34.9 are “serious”, and 35.0 to 49.9 are “alarming”. South Asia’s regional score is 23.5, which is also serious. Neighbours score as follows:

• Sri Lanka: 10.2
• Nepal: 14.5
• Bangladesh: 19.2
• Afghanistan: 28.6

Key Global Findings Under the Global Hunger Index 2026

The global average score is 18.1. Data were too limited for eight countries, so their hunger levels were estimated provisionally. For six more countries, even that was not possible.

Global Hunger Levels and Indicators

About 645 million people around the world face hunger. Child mortality shows a slight decline, but undernourishment, child stunting, and child wasting have all risen globally since 2018.

Worsening Conditions Across Countries and Regions

Hunger has worsened in 32 countries since 2018. The countries fall into these categories:

• Alarming (8): Burundi, Chad, DR Congo, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Yemen
• Serious: 36 countries
• Moderate: 35 countries
• Low: 51 countries

Africa South of the Sahara and South Asia remain the most affected regions, while scores have also worsened in West Asia and North Africa.

India’s Status

India scored 24.1 and ranks 100th out of 122 countries, placing it in the serious category. There is some progress, as child stunting fell from 50.0% in 2000 to 29.3%.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Around 57 countries are projected to miss low hunger levels by 2030, which puts the Zero Hunger goal at risk.

Main Drivers of Hunger

• Conflicts and shocks: Long-running conflicts disrupt global grain, fuel and fertiliser markets, while climate extremes like El Niño destabilise farming.
• Economic and humanitarian constraints: Rising shipping costs push up food prices in countries that depend on imports. Funding shortages and limited aid access in conflict zones make the situation worse.

How Is the Global Hunger Index Calculated?

Four indicators are combined into one score. Countries are then placed in one of five levels: low, moderate, serious, alarming, or extremely alarming. A higher score means more severe hunger.

The 4 Indicators of the Global Hunger Index

• Undernourishment: share of people who do not get enough calories
• Child stunting: children under five with low height for their age, a sign of long-term undernourishment
• Child wasting: children under five with low weight for their height, a sign of recent undernourishment
• Child mortality: children who die before turning five

Top-Performing Nations with GHI Scores Under 5.0 Include

• Armenia
• Belarus
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Chile
• China
• Costa Rica